As we celebrate this season of gratitude I am writing to share something very rare with you: two poems written by students from Esperienza 2025 Language immersion program. I believe both speak directly about the transformative possibilities of our presence in Romagna.
Fifteen years and a lifetime ago our family of five—my wife, our three school-aged children and I—lived in Italy. It was our la dolce vita period. That experience reawakened a love for many things—family, simplicity, beauty, adventure, and notably, all things food-related. Upon returning to my American home, even as I resumed a conventional career and lifestyle, I was changed. Among other things, I spent more hours creating in the kitchen, relishing every moment. I was even inspired to enroll in a formal culinary arts training program. Life continued, enriched.
How can a piece of cloth, even if it is natural linen, beautifully stamp-printed in an ancient tradition, mean so much to a person? Well, let me tell you.
Esperienza is Pennabilli and Pennabilli is Esperienza. At least that’s how I see it. The comfort, simplicity and beauty of the town and its people inform all that Esperienza does. It’s as if Anna and the rest of the Esperienza team ask themselves with each program and with every detail hidden within that program, whether in Italy or America … “how would our friends in Pennabilli feel about this? Would they be proud of how we are representing Italy? Representing them?” It’s a brilliant guide post. And lucky me…
Our instructor Emanuela delivered Nick and me to Fabrizio at Bel Fico, one of Pennabilli’s favorite restaurants located on the charming town square. Ostensibly, our assignment was to “work” alongside Fabrizio and his staff for an hour or so, but in fact we were there to have a chance to talk with real Italians in a natural environment. The place was empty when we arrived at 5:00 PM, but that soon changed as local patrons began filling the barstools and benches. Fabrizio was a fabulous host, attentively introducing us to his patrons as he deftly pulled shots of espresso and poured glasses of wine for his guests.
Many thanks to Team Esperienza for the 2020 Cooking with the Seasons - Natale class. It was wonderful, easy to follow and I felt as if I was right there, in the kitchen, in Italy! I was waiting for a cup of espresso. I had to pay attention as I’m not sure what I was thinking whenI invited friends to join me for dinner after I returned from Italy on Saturday. I had to chuckle with their reactions to my going to Italy….which calmed down considerably when I shared it is ZOOM. With Covid, going to Italy via ZOOM is a pretty good option with a bit of imagination in tow.
I just returned from two weeks of “Living the Language” with Esperienza. I have been to many Italian classes in Italy but never one that created a greater sense of community — not just with the greater community, but also among the group of students.